National Spine & Pain Centers

Visited this clinic to seek treatment for an outstanding bulging disk/​chronic sciatica that had become debilitating. I called on a Monday and was seen on Friday. I saw Dr. Gordon, and his PA Kristen. They gave me a lot of incredibly helpful information about possible causes of flare ups. We discussed a fully holistic long term treatment plan, including physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, massage, steroid epidural injections, requiring very minimal medication for pain management. I was given the injections in the same appointment, which I was absolutely thrilled with — I thought it would be weeks for an appointment. The injection took about 10 minutes, start to finish — it wasn’t pleasant, but the process was quick, professional, every step was explained by the doctor and his staff. I made a follow up appointment for 2 weeks after the procedure, so I’ll know more about post procedural care when I attend it. Really impressed by the quality of care and of the information I got to educate myself and be proactive about my recovery — very much looking forward to completing this course of treatment! KR — 06÷03÷16

A member of my family has been experiencing severe to low back pain for months, while waiting for an appointment with a specialist to get treated. At the first appointment with the specialist, he recommended spinal injections to control pain before he would prescribe PT. My family member scheduled the appointment, showed up on time, and was told that they could not provide him with his pain injection because they had not contacted our insurance to get pre-​authorization. When scheduling the appointment, the office did not request insurance information, nor did they mention that insurance pre-​authorization was a requirement for the service. This office is incompetent.

I have been seeing Dr Gordon for obout two years now. Although he seems very rushed most of the time I have been very happy with him. The staff that works that office are bad. I waited three days for them to get a preauthorization form my insurance, and when they did not call me back I called them. The lady told me that I did not need preauthorization. Oh and even though I can barely move I would have to wait more than a week to get an appointment. When I told her that I was in really bad shape, she made it obvious she did not care. Then she tells me that I should have been seen more because of the way «they like to do the procedures» the doctor never told me this, I guess the office clerk that answers phones knows more about me than either I or the doctor. She had an attitude the entire time. When I told her that I could not wait a week and would need to just go to the ER if I could not be seen sooner she says «okay.» Pathetic. I wish this was the only time that I spoke to one of these horrible people, and had a bad experience, but it sadly was not. Does anyone know of a good pain management doctor/​spine specialist that has at least an average staff? I need a new doctor.

I started going to the Manassas office this year. I liked the doctor at first, but not since I got my permanent neurostimulator implanted by a neurosurgeon. When this dr did the trial a month earlier, I had to get reprogrammed. It had to be done in his office. No Charge, which should be. However, when I got the permanent one done and had to get reprogrammed (it had to be in his office), my insurance was charged an office visit and a diagnostic test (saying they did the programming, NOT) ! I didn’t have an appointment, only to meet with my stim rep. The doctor only poked in to say hi (which he did to get the $, I guess). I called my insurance to complain and the office manager said that was correct, it was Corp policy, and that she would discuss with her manager. Never got a call back. This happened twice. I found another doctor that doesn’t charge me for someone else to do the work and thinks it is ridiculous that they do that. Most people I know do not get charged at all for this. In fact, when I brought this up to him, he responded that ALL doctors charge in the US! He lied and I caught him on it. I also asked to be taken off my pain meds since the procedure seemed to be working. He didn’t want to at first, so he could have me come in every time I needed a refill and make the $ again, but finally gave in! This corporation is just that, a corporation, to make the $ any way possible. They also kept screwing up on the claims and doubled one of them and also did duplicate claims which was caught by my insurance. I had to pay more because of their error, but they never got it fixed, even after about 10 or so calls between them and my insurance company. They said if I didn’t pay it, even though they knew it was wrong and disputed, that I would get sent to collections. I left a message with my insurance fraud dept, but they never called back. I guess they don’t care that they overpaid them! I ended up paying it just to get rid of them. Not ever going back! If it truly a Corp policy, then all the offices should not be visited. If they lied about it, then the Manassas office. Don’t trust them and won’t have to worry about it again! Oh yea, just got a statement owing $.80!

If I could give zero stars I would. I saw Dr. Dade for treatment of a Morton’s Neuroma. Dr. Dade himself was helpful and friendly, though through no fault of his own the treatment was not successful. My main problem with this office is anyone and everyone in the office and any administrative staff and all of their policies. This office refuses to file insurance claims despite the fact that the service they provided is covered by my insurance. Instead they make you pay up front in cash. If this weren’t bad enough they are completely unhelpful and actually incredibly rude when it comes to providing the paperwork needed to file your own claim. After paying $ 925 prior to receiving treatment ($ 225 more than they quoted me) they absolutely refused to give me an itemized bill. Instead they forced me to sign the receipt out of the credit card machine with nothing more than the total listed on it before I could receive treatment. Since I was in excruciating pain I pretty much had no choice, but to do what they said. I asked every single person I encountered that day for an itemized bill, to no avail. I ended up contacting their billing office for the materials, which I ultimately was able to get. Unfortunately, the bill was completely inaccurate… charging me twice for one service and and then showing it as removed all on the same bill… very confusing. When I sent this to my insurance they said that it could not be used because it had no codes on it and was missing information. According to the insurance representative who called the office she «talked to Barb and she advised they are not able to give any information to help with the processing of this claim. She stated patient signed documentation for self pay services.» This woman gives zero s***s about anyone else’s wallet and is totally unwilling to even xerox a piece of paper to help someone out. And as far as signing something she is right. I did pay out of pocket. With every intention of submitting the claim on my own. That should have absolutely no bearing on her furnishing paperwork to my insurance company. There are so many options for pain treatment in NOVA. Absolutely NEVER NEVER go here.

I went there for my lower back pain that is bad all the time. and I had the honer of seeing Dr Waggenr n Maggie. the only thing that I have to say I am very happy with the staff n the care Dr Waggner and Maggie gave me real honest to heart care n kindness so to those of you who had have bad thing’s to say I’m sorry it went that way. one bad thing I do have to say is I will no longer be seeing, Dr, Waggner n Maggie and that is my lost of a great n honest good Doctors. I still going there. but not with them.:-(from De La Paz

The office in Fredericksburg has the worst customer service and has no regard for your well being. They treat you like a number and do not care about your pain. They mess up appointment dates and have no compassion. Dr sotorapoulis is not forthcoming with treatment options and is very flippant when asked questions. He does not take time to explain anything. They are only worried about how many procedures they can do in a day not helping you rid your pain. The front desk staff has high turnover volume and no class. They are only worried about MONEY and not helping people. BEWARE.

Very Disappointed. When patients cancel within 24 hours they are charged a penalty. Patients are expected to report on time regardless of morning traffic. What happens when the doctor doesn’t show (Alexandria, VA) location? NOTHING. Patient gets left checking on why they haven’t been seen 30 mins into appointment time. Staff unconcerned and lacks initiative to bother to check. Disingenuous platitudes. How about a credit for wasting my time and gasoline?

Just a reply about the bad review regarding PA Laura Ricard at the DC and Fairfax offices. I have been seeing her and Dr. Whittenberg for years and have had great care and support from both of them. Even when I asked Laura to explain MRI results to me and go over it multiple times, she was happy to do it and would lift my arm and explain in detail for me the issues the MRI showed and even showed me on her shoulder how things should be working normally. On a visit I had mentioned a billing item/​issue to Dr. Whittenberg and she normally doesn’t get involved in the billing side of things but took the time to listen to me and look at the billing statements and then walked to the front office with me to explain to one of the people there what needs to be communicated with my insurance company and her billing office in order to get things corrected for me and the issues were resolved so it was just my copay vs several thousand dollars.
The office staff in DC have always been professional and polite on every visit. One time I was stuck in DC traffic and was 15 to 20 minutes late for my appointment but they still worked me into the office to see Dr. Whittenberg instead of telling me I was too late and to go pound sand.
Any time I have a change in insurance (and I had 4 changes for 2014) the first thing I look for when selecting a plan is if Dr. Whittenberg is one of the participating providers (along with my PCP I have seen for 14 years now).

Very rude people those who pick up the phone and schedule your appointment which is the last thing you want to deal with when you are in pain. If you like loud voices and people with attitudes then go ahead and call this place. I am in a great pain today, so I called to see if I can be seen by any doctor. The person I spoke to put me on hold for more than 10 min then another person picked up and got my info again and started murmuring and ended up yelling at me just because I said I don’t actually care which doctor has can see me as the pain I have is enormous. When I asked why do I have to stick to the same doctor same location, the answer came very rude and disrespectful. At the end I was told the place that has availability today is the one at the National Harbor. The person didnt have the address for this location lol. He also said he has never been to Maryland. Then I made another attempt and called another location in Alexandria and OH MY LORD, mother lady I spoke to seemed to be running from a fire, not only she was rude, but she was also yelling at me for the fact I said «please do understand that I am in big pain and I don’t even the doctor you say I have to stick with, she was picked up for me two years ago when I was in similar pain».
If this business what to continue, they need to evaluate the reception staff, train them and teach them how to respond to someone in pain.
I have decided not not go to this place again, no matter what.

Dr Wagner and Connie couldn’t be more helpful. Over the past year they have worked with me trying to solve my lower back pain. Through PRP, lysate, and steroids I have seen great Improvement. They have explained everything in a way that is easy to understand. Some of the best Drs I have ever seen. Highly recomended for disc, ligament and any back, neck, or joint pain.

bad experience. I arrived 15 min early for my 7am appointment and was not seen until 7:45– waiting a full hour to be seen when I was told I would be the «first appointment of the day». I chose 7am appointment time because I believed he could not possibly be running behind at that point. (It would have been nice if the staff had been honest and told me that the doctor was running late today). Just as I was about to walk out, a PA walked in to talk to me (still no Doctor). I finally saw Dr. Gordon at 8am. I didn’t receive treatment as I thought I would and left in pain. So, unfortunately, the appointment was useless. I wish I’d walked out instead of waiting. I ended up leaving in tears.
(Just as an FYI– most of you are probably aware of this but I was not. My insurance referred me here for PT. They do not do any treatments here– just evaluations and medicating. If you are looking to get treatment, PT, xrays, etc, you can not get it done here. Hopefully someone else will find this fact helpful).

I was referred to Dr. Gordon by Commonwealth Orthopedics when they determined I needed more specialized care. Unfortunately, I’ve needed quite a few treatments over the past year, but the PA has always explained each well enough that I knew my options. I always felt comfortable with my decisions about the level of treatment because I understood what would be happening. My recovery from each procedure has been longer than expected, but since I’ve always been a slow healer, I don’t blame the practice for misrepresenting the recovery time.
There was a complication with one treatment, which normally would prompt me to drop the review by a star, but the staff of the practice have more than earned that star back. When I’ve called to find out if my condition at any given time warranted a return visit, I’ve always been called back promptly. Today, the PA quickly realized I needed a treatment soon, so she managed to fit me into the schedule within an hour of my initial call. Since I had failed to eat a large meal (as recommended) prior to the treatment (since I hadn’t planned for it), I ended up feeling nauseous and lightheaded after the procedure. I had no fewer than four of the staff plus the doctor keeping an eye on me (and bringing me juice and water) for about 45 minutes until they felt I could leave safely. I have never received that level of attention from any other medical practice.
My only complaint is that for the drug tests they periodically require if patients are on certain medications, the only place to go collect the urine sample is in a restroom that is not within the practice itself, so you have to walk out into the building lobby and across the hall while carrying around the specimen cup, which is a little embarrassing.
I highly recommend this practice to anyone who is unfortunate enough to need the types of treatments they provide.

This review is not about the treatment, it’s about the service. I’ve been to this office one time for a consultation and will go back for a follow-​up in a few weeks. I’ve been struggling with back pain related to dance and misc. genetic conditions for 6 – 7 years. It’s been really hard to find a doctor who A) understands what I’ve put my body through physically as a dancer, B) the fact that dancers are very strong and more mentally in tune with their bodies than most, C) doesn’t just brush me off as being «hypermobile.» Was referred to this practice by Commonwealth Orthopaedics (where I never was even able to see my doctor, only his PA) to help me diagnose my back pain.
I have to say that I walked away from my consultation extremely pleased with Dr. Gordon. He took the time to explain to me my MRI results, answered every question I had, was extremely patient and un-​rushed, and even drew me little diagrams. It was like a little class about my back. He gave me a better explanation of the root cause of my back pain (which is groundbreaking for having dealt with this for half a decade and not knowing) and gave me a full menu of treatment options, without pushing me in any particular direction.
I think the majority of treatments at this practice involve steroid injections, but they understood that I wasn’t quite ready to go that direction. They sent me home with an Rx for new pain meds and ordered a belt and special pain cream to try (both of which they assured me they would check with the insurance and call me back if anything was amiss before placing the final order… so far so good). They also gave me more «eastern» options to check out. Dr. Gordon’s PA typed up the notes from our meeting which was really helpful when you get a lot of information all at once.
Overall, I felt like I was given their time, patience and a lot of really interesting options to think about either now or over the next few years. Definitely will be coming back to this practice as I deal with my issue overtime. Can’t speak to any of the injection treatments, but as far as a caring practitioner, this place is aces.

Very competent medical staff in my, thankfully, limited experience. Docs and PAs first rate at investigating, explaining, diagnosing. Excellent at treating pain. They made sure to get an MRI early, which was essential for confirming the diagnosis and focusing the treatment. They discussed but did not spend much time on physical therapy, exercise, etc., so I agree with the reviewer who said you have to manage your case overall and rely on them to focus on their speciality. The receptionists/​office staff are another story. At various times, including early morning, they schedule so that patients have a wait in the waiting room and inside. A little time for paperwork and cushion is OK, but really, is a 30 — 45 minute delay always unavoidable? I found them curt and barely civil, treating other patients even rudely. Several small glitches in my case, in whether they had the right info, images, cards, etc. One or two in a few visits, OK. But mutliple, in one case terribly inconvenient glitch, and no apology or understanding, just «we have been busy.» It’s a shame that the organization has good medical personnel and poor support staff. Probably means the staff is overworked and undertrained. Location is convenient to 395 and Colombia Pike, if you have a car. Bus service, OK.

Do not recommend the National Spine and Pain Center in Manassas, Va. Physician Assistant Serrano does not review the patient’s records. Not the same treatment since National Spine took over.

I would not recommend going to Dr. Balint. Although he may be «experienced», his bedside manner is unprofessional, and impersonal. He never listened to me — frequently got me confused with some of his other patients, got my prescriptions mixed up, and was completely disrespectful. I finally left the practice in disqust.

I have been going to the Capital Spine and Pain Center (now called the National Spine and Pain center) for chronic pain as the result of an illness. I started off seeing Dr. Gordon and then after a 3^rd appointment I was switched to Dr. Babcock without an explanation. At first I was a little put off by the switch but once I met Dr. Babcock, I couldn’t have been happier.
Dr. Babcock has to be the most compassionate, attentive Doctor I have ever seen. She offers all sorts of different therapies, rather than just loading up her patients with narcotics. My only complaint is the wait times. They definitely over book so when you have a 3pm appointment, you’ll most likely be seen at 4pm. Other than that, 4 stars for National Spine and Pain.

DO NOT go here! I went in for an evaluation after a traumatic back injury and they convinced me that it was just arthritis and that I did not need an X-ray…now I come to find out TWO YEARS later that I have been living with a compression fracture all along! I thought these people were specialists? How on earth could they not catch this? If you want quality diagnosis and care… DO NOT go here!

If you are pregnant and experiencing severe pain, I wouldn’t bother going here. They didn’t so much as offer a diagnosis, information or hint of any suggestions. But they certainly charged me a co-​pay upfront and billed my insurance company. Funny I told the receptionist too that I was preggers and she booked the appointment anyways.
It took weeks to get my appointment, and they rescheduled on me. Surely there are places with better service than this!

I have had back pain for over a year and finally got serious about finding and fixing the problem and ended up at the Capital Spine and Pain Center. They have multiple locations, but being a DC girl, I try not to venture into MD often and VA NEVER so I came under the care of Physician’s Assistant Laura Ricard and Dr. Beverly Whittenberg at the DC office which is at 3 Washington Circle, right off the GWU metro, across the circle. I met Laura first and after listening to my symptoms and conducting a thorough exam she diagnosed me with facet’s syndrome and SI joint pain. She recommended that I get steroid injections, under x-​ray into my facet joints with Dr. Whittenberg. The shots offered miraculous relief but they would always wear off after 3 – 4 weeks and I was in pain again. I also realized that I was still having pain in my upper back/​neck that I had sort of communicated, but I guess not strongly enough because when I mentioned it initially Laura said it was that facet syndrome could cause pain that could be felt all the way up in one’s shoulders and even neck. But something still didn’t seem right. I mean, I would have these headaches (for more than a year actually) that would start at the base of my skull and move up over my head and face and pretty much be debilitating for 1 – 3 days, depending on severity. I finally (recently) really strongly emphasized this pain along with my lower back and Dr. Whittenberg ordered an MRI that revealed that I had a bulged disc in my neck (c4 –c5) as well as scoliosis– which I never knew. Basically, my spine is all jacked up– and that bulged disc could have been like that for a year or even longer! The shot Dr. Whittenberg just gave me in my bulged c4-​c5 provided the most amazing pain relief ever. I literally feel like my 30 year old self (I’m now 34) lol. Bottom line– I highly recommend Dr. Whittenberg and Laura Ricard for back pain/​herniated discs– but here is the thing, never lose sight of what they do. They are masters at numbing pain. They listen to you and they want to help, but you have to do your part. Tell them EVERYWHERE you have pain, every symptom, and when you find out what’s wrong and get relief then go and fix your body with physical therapy (if you are able)! I am now seriously trying to strengthen my neck and my core, come to peace with the fact that I am not Super Woman and I must respect my neck and my back and keep weight off of them so I don’t end up having to go to Dr. Whittenberg for the rest of my life for treatment. Chronic pain is NO JOKE. It is depressing and emotionally draining. So finally here are my tips for going to Capital Spine and Pain Center– If you go in DC, know that Dr. Whittenberg and Laura are only in that office on Tue/​Thur so plan accordingly. Keep a pain journal so you can really accurately tell them where you have been experiencing pain because we all know how pain is– there are good days and bad days, and you don’t want to forget a symptom. Have your co-​pay ready. They employ some greedy, insensitive front office folk. They ask you for your co-​pay while you’re signing your name on the sign-​in sheet. And you know how that feels, you’re digging in your purse for your wallet to whip your check card out as quick as you can, but you’re thinking, «dang, can I put the sign-​in pen down before you’re all up in my pocket???» Hope your back feels better!

I have been a patient of Capitol Spine and Pain Centers for 2 years for an SI joint condition. I have been undergoing PRP treatment at the Herndon location with Dr. Mayo Freidless, who I was told is the ONLY spine specialist there. PRP for the back is a whopping $ 900 a treatment which you have to pay out of pocket. I have had 3 sessions and was told I require two more. However, I am moving out of state at the end of the month and have made every effort to work with the Doctor and the scheduling staff to fit in both treatments, which have to be a minimum of three weeks apart. I had an appointment scheduled for July 12^th which the office called and CANCELLED, stating the doctor wouldn’t be in. So after juggling my work schedule and moving schedule I rescheduled for 2 August, ONLY TO RECEIVE A CALL TODAY TO CANCEL AGAIN!!! So now I will not be able to finish my treatment and I have wasted a good chunk of money for a treatment I will not receive full benefit of. Bottom line if you don’t have a job or life and can wait weeks for an appointment only to have them cancelled at the doctor’s whim, then go here. But if you want to be treated as though your time is important and actually get benefit from your treatments, go someplace else.

Capital Spine and Pain Center has multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia and Washington DC. Yesterday, I had a consultation with PA Laura Ricard for whiplash sustained after a car accident.
SHE WAS FANTASTIC!
PA Ricard listened to my recount of the accident, asked me about my medical history and symptoms I was currently experiencing. She carefully & thoroughly examined me, diagnosed me, discussed treatment and medication options, sent my prescriptions electronically to my CVS pharmacy in Arlington, and all the while, had a caring and professional bed-​side manner. PA Ricard performed multiple trigger point injections and they were the least painful I have ever received.
I also had the chance to meet one of her colleagues, Dr. Whittenberg, who was equally nice.
Overall, I was definitely impressed with the quality of care I got from Laura Ricard PA-​C and highly recommend her to anyone seeking a comprehensive, professional, knowledgeable, empathic, and talented clinician. A++

I’d be absolutely miserable without the caring folks here. One day a few years ago I was fine, and the next gasping in pain and couldn’t move with no explanation why.
My primary care dr referred me to Dr. Cherrick and I really appreciated his friendly nature and absolutely his wit and humor. After going over my xrays with me on my first visit and explaining the results of my MRI, he immediately set aside the horror that must have shown on my face with an affable «…you didn’t do yourself in. You were born this way.» (now If only I looked like Lady Gaga)
He set me up with some physical therapy appointments so I could learn the proper exercises to help my back and then turned me over to one of his colleagues here at the center, Dr. Kendall, for help with pain management. And thus my journey back to happy mobility began.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Kendall for the past 4 years. I have nothing but the highest complements for his «bedside manner» and approach, his PAs and the assistants who help with the treatments. Dr. Kendall takes time not only to find out where it hurts, but also the impact its having on your life and the activities that are the most important to his patients.
His assistants are remarkable and you’re in good hands with them too. One of his PAs was even nice enough to take the time with the billing office and straighten out my coverage when the insurance company balked. Its sometimes hard to get appointments (so don’t walk out without making your next one) but they’ve always managed to fit me in when I’m in complete agony.
I really would like nothing better than to never come through these doors again. But until that day I very please with Dr. Kendall and the entire staff at Capitol Spine and Pain.
Notes:
The name of this office has been changed to National Spine & Pain Centers since they have locations outside the DC area now.
As of Summer 2013, Dr. Kendall is no longer practicing out of this office and has moved to the McLean /​Tysons Corner office. My review of that office is here:

I’ve also posted a review for Dr. Kendall himself: